Enhanced Bioelectricity Production in Microbial Fuel Cell Using Metal Organic Framework Based Anode

Abstract

Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) offer a revolutionary approach to sustainable energy generation by utilizing microbes to convert organic materials into electrical energy. An intriguing interaction between electrochemistry and microbial metabolism is at the core of an MFC. Organic substrates are oxidized by microbes in the anodic chamber, which releases protons and electrons. After that, these electrons are moved to the anode surface, where they produce an electrical current that may be obtained externally. The electrochemical circuit is completed when the protons move from the cathode through a proton exchange membrane and mix with oxygen and electrons to generate water. Improving MFC performance through the incorporation of Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) materials is a promising approach. MOFs are materials with huge surface areas and tunable chemical functionalities that are very porous and have unusualstructural features. Our goal isto use MOF layers' catalytic properties to increase the efficiency of MFCs by depositing them on the anode surface and accelerating the kinetics of electron transfer. Additionally, the composite of Cu-MOF and Polyaniline (PANI) gives this study a new perspective since PANI can increase the electrode surface's redox activity and conductivity. According to our experimental findings, adding MOF coatings to graphite felt (GF) anodes in MFCs significantly increases power density. When Cu-MOF coatings were added, the MFC’s power density with coated GF electrodes increased significantly to 86 mW/m². Moreover, when Cu-MOF/PANI coatings were added, the MFC’s power density increased to 86 mW/m² , as compared to 33 mW/m2 of MFC with uncoated GF electrode, demonstrating the significant performance improvements that may be achieved with this innovative electrode modification technique. These results highlight the encouraging potential of MOF-based materials in raising MFC output and efficiency, opening the door for a broader use of them in applications involving the production of sustainable energy